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***image1***Teens across the KMC took advantage of their summer break recently to learn new skills and make some money as part of the summer hire program.
The program allowed students between the ages of 14 and 22 a chance to work in clerical and laborer positions between June 27 and today for $5.14 an hour.
“It’s been really good. I’m usually a very shy person, but I like this program; I like it a lot. I’m going to do it from now on,” said Michelle M. Irizarry, 15, a summer hire for the 415th Base Support Battalion Directorate of Human Resources.
Tony Jones, the acting director for the 415th BSB’s Directorate of Human Resources and summer hire coordinator, has been the 415th BSB Summer Hire coordinator since the battalion has been in existence – 14 years. The 415th BSB has 61 summer hires this year, four of which worked for Mr. Jones.
“The program builds character to our young students who come to us. It gives them a sense of responsibility. It gives them the knowledge of what it is to work and be a part of the team,” said Mr. Jones.
“We give them more skills for the future. In addition, we have workshops that we conduct during the course of the summer hire program. We have two workshops hosted by our Child and Youth Services Division. The first workshop was on team building and the second one was how to be a part of the work force.”
Ms. Irizarry, who is thinking about studying computer science, was nervous before she began, but quickly found her place in the office.
“I was really scared. The first day I was here I really didn’t want to do it; I wanted to go home, but a week later, it was really nice and fun. The money – that’s a bonus. It’s one of my favorite parts,” she said.
What advice does she have for other teens considering doing the program next year?
“I would suggest to definitely go for it because it gives you a lot of character traits. It helps you for the future and stuff,” she said.
